Simon Edvinsson back in Sweden for practice

With the Detroit Red Wings' season opener just days away, Simon Edvinsson has made the decision to head back to Sweden and practice with his former team, Frölunda HC. A video surfaced today showing the Red Wings' top left-handed defenseman back on the ice with the organization that helped develop him before Detroit selected him sixth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Under normal circumstances, this would be a positive story about a young NHL defenseman staying in shape with a familiar organization. Unfortunately for Detroit, there is a much bigger problem hanging over it: Edvinsson still does not have a contract.

The clock Is ticking

The timing could not be worse for the Red Wings. Detroit opens the regular season this Friday at home against the New York Rangers, and Edvinsson cannot play in that game without a contract.

The 23-year-old is coming off a season in which he established himself as one of the most important pieces of Detroit's defense. He appeared in 72 games, recording nine goals and 25 points while averaging more than 22 minutes per game. He also spent significant time playing alongside Moritz Seider, giving Detroit a young defensive pairing that the organization should be building around.

Edvinsson has already done his part. He showed up to training camp and continued practicing with the team despite not having a contract. Now, with the regular season approaching, he has returned to Sweden to continue preparing for the season.

This is becoming an ownership problem

At some point, the question has to go beyond the front office.

Chris Ilitch is quickly becoming one of the most questioned owners in modern sports if this situation continues. The Red Wings have had essentially the entire offseason to get one of their best young players under contract, yet here we are days before the regular season and Edvinsson remains unsigned.

This is not some fringe player fighting for a roster spot. Edvinsson is a former sixth-overall pick who has become a major part of Detroit's blue line. The Red Wings need him, especially if this team genuinely believes it is finally ready to compete for a playoff spot.

Detroit needs to get this done

There are always two sides to a contract negotiation, and Edvinsson's camp deserves its share of scrutiny if the two sides remain far apart. But from the outside looking in, Detroit has allowed this situation to get far too close to opening night.

The Red Wings cannot afford to start another season with questions surrounding one of their most important young players. A bridge deal may not be perfect, and a long-term deal may require a significant commitment, but something needs to get done.

Edvinsson is back in Sweden practicing. Detroit is preparing for the Rangers. Opening night is Friday.

The excuses are running out. Now, it's time for the Red Wings to get their defenseman signed.

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